Fiber optic connector having hermaphroditic coupling mechanism

ABSTRACT

A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coupling nut in a forward position captures the ears of the connector and the ears of the second connector in the groove in opposed relationship between the ribs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/734,658, filed Apr. 12, 2007, entitled FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORHAVING HERMAPHRODITIC COUPLING MECHANISM (Atty. Dkt. No. FBSI-28,068),which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to fiber optic connectors and in particular, to ahermaphroditic coupling mechanism for such connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hermaphroditic couplers for fiber optic cable must incorporate featuresthat allow the coupler to perform as either a female or male plug suchthat identical connectors may be coupled to each other. Knownhermaphroditic couplers utilize either a conventional threadedconfiguration wherein a coupling nut moves to a rearward or forwardposition or a bayonet configuration. The drawback to the threadedconnection is that the coupling nut must be rotated through a number ofturns to mate with the opposing connector.

Bayonet type connectors are known that use a pin or pins extendinginward from a fixed coupling nut. The pins engage J-shaped grooves, onein the first connector body, the second in the mating connector body.The pins engage and slide through the long leg of the J-shaped groovethen through the crook of the J and into the short leg or locking recessof the J-shaped groove to prevent the coupling nut from inadvertentlyloosening. In the case of a plug connecting to a plug, there may be fourpins, two of which engage each of the connectors to provide a secureconnection. In the case of a panel mounted receptacle, which does notinclude a coupling nut, there are only two pins, only one of whichengages the receptacle.

There are two drawbacks to conventional bayonet connectors, the firstbeing the movement of the connector faces as the pins move into thelocking recess or short leg of the J-shaped groove. Typically theconnector faces mate tightly together at the point where the pins are atthe endmost tip of the crook of the J-shaped grooves. As the pins movethrough the crook and into the locking recess, the mating faces tend tomove apart. Thus, the depth of the short leg of the J-shaped groovetranslates into a space between connector faces that may allow angularmovement of the connectors relative to each other.

The second drawback of conventional bayonet type connectors is that whenthe plug is mated into a panel mounted receptacle, only one of thebayonet pins engages the receptacle. In this configuration, only oneside of the plug is secured. A normal force applied to the plug mayresult in angular movement of the plug relative to the receptacle. Inthe case of fiber optic cables, such movement can result in the terminalends of the cables being displaced from each other, interfering with orcutting off the transmission carried by the cable.

The magnitude of these problems is increased in the case of single modecables. Multi-mode cables have a core with a nominal diameter from about50 to 100 microns, typically on the order of 62.5 microns.Alternatively, single mode cables have a core with a nominal diameter of8-10 microns, typically on the order of 9 microns. Single mode cablesare capable of greater transmission speed over longer distances withless signal attenuation; however, because of the small core diameter,alignment of single mode cores with a connector is more critical than inthe case of a multi-mode fiber. Alignment of the fibers becomes evenmore of an issue in the case of multiple channel single mode cableswhere multiple fiber optic connections must be aligned with a highdegree of precision.

SUMMARY

A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality ofoptical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers havingtermini mounted on the ends thereof including a plug insert for mountingthe termini and a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the pluginsert therein. The plug body includes a mating end having a pluralityof mating features configured to engage the corresponding matingfeatures of a second connector to align the termini of the connectorwith the termini of a second connector in opposed relationship. Aplurality of ears extend radially outward from the forward end of themating end of the plug body.

The connector includes a coupling nut slidably and rotatably mounted onthe plug body and having a generally cylindrical wall and a groove forreceiving an ear of the connector and the ear of a mating connector inopposed relationship therein. The groove extends around an insidesurface of the cylindrical wall adjacent a first end of the coupling nutso that the groove is aligned with an ear of the connector and an ear ofa second connector when the coupling nut is moved to its forwardposition. Rotation of the coupling nut captures the ear of the connectorand the ear of a second connector in opposed relationship in the groove.

The connector may include a spring disposed in annular space between theplug body and the coupling nut for biasing the coupling nut in arearward position on the plug body. In one variation, a pair of ears arepositioned at opposed positions on the circumference of the mating endof the plug body and the ears pass through a pair of opposed openingsinto the groove when the coupling nut is moved into the forwardposition. In another aspect, the connector includes a shield formounting the plug insert in the plug body wherein the shield includesalignment features for aligning the shield and plug insert in a selectedrotational orientation relative to the plug body. The alignment featuresmay include a plurality of pins extending longitudinally forward fromthe shield for engaging bores formed in the plug body.

In another embodiment, a hermaphroditic connector includes a plug insertfor mounting the termini and a plug body for receiving the plug inserttherein. The plug body has a central longitudinal axis and a mating endwith first and second openings extending longitudinally therethrough forreceiving the ends of termini therein. The openings are positioned oneither side of a plane extending longitudinally thorough the plug bodyperpendicular to a line connecting the centers of the openings andintersecting the longitudinal axis of the plug body which divides themating end into first and second halves. A generally cylindrical towerhaving a longitudinal passage therethrough aligned with the firstopening for receiving an end of a termini of a corresponding matingconnector extends from the first half of the mating end of the plugbody. First and second mating pins having first opposed concave facesdefining a tower receiving aperture therebetween for receiving the towerof a corresponding mating connector extend longitudinally from thesecond half of the mating end of the plug body. The mating pins includesubstantially flat second faces aligned with the plane dividing themating end into first and second halves and substantially convex thirdfaces disposed between the first and second faces. The first half of themating end of the plug body includes first and second recesses formedtherein on opposing sides of the tower for receiving the mating pins ofa corresponding mating connector. The recesses include first,substantially concave walls formed on opposing sides of the tower,second substantially flat walls aligned with the plane dividing themating end into first and second halves and substantially convex thirdwalls disposed between the first and second walls.

In one aspect, the connector further includes a pair ofcircumferentially opposed ears extending radially from the mating end ofthe plug body between a pair of chords equidistant from the axis of theplug body and perpendicular to the plane dividing the mating end intofirst and second halves. In one embodiment, the ears have asemi-circular cross section and a combined radial length ofapproximately 15% to 20% of the diameter of the mating end of the plugbody. In another aspect, the connector includes a pair of alignment pinsextending from the forward end of the mating end of the plug body. Themating pins of the connector have longitudinally extending bores formedtherein for receiving the alignment pins of a corresponding connector.

In yet another embodiment, the connector includes a plug insert formounting the termini, a plug body for receiving the plug insert thereinand a radially extending stop wall formed on an outside surface of thecylindrical wall. The connector further includes a generally cylindricalcoupling nut having a stop formed on an inside surface thereof. The stopof the connector engages the stop wall of the plug body (same connector)upon rotation of the coupling nut to couple the connector with themating connector such that rotation of the coupling nut is limited to apredetermined arc. The predetermined arc may be between about 80 degreesand about 110 degrees.

In another aspect, the connector further comprising a compressibleretaining member positioned in a recess formed in an outside surface ofthe stop wall. A corresponding projection extends radially inward froman inside wall of the coupling nut for engaging the compressibleretaining member of a corresponding second connector Upon rotation ofthe coupling nut, the projection of a corresponding second connectorcompresses and passes the retaining member to engage the connector witha corresponding mating connector, the compressible member retaining thecoupling nut in engagement with the mating connector by preventinginadvertent reverse rotation of the coupling nut. The compressiblemember may be a spring, a solid resilient body, a compressible cylinderor a spring-biased body having an arcuate surface for engaging theprojection. In one variation, the projection is wedge-shaped with aninclined wall to facilitate engagement with a compressible member of acorresponding mating connector.

In still another embodiment, a hermaphroditic connector for mounting toa cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibersto mating optical fibers includes a plug body and a plug insert having agenerally cylindrical body including a circular forward face formedintegral with the body including a plurality of apertures extendingthrough the face and configured for slidably mounting termini in theplug insert. The plug insert further comprises an axial slot extendingrearwardly from the face and at least one axial slot extending rearwardfrom the forward face. The slot is sufficiently long and wide to form an“s-ing” chamber in which optical fibers connected to the termini mayflex upon coupling of the connector with a corresponding secondconnector with the faces of the connectors in abutting relation. A rearsection of the plug insert extending rearward of the slot includes arearwardly opening socket, a forwardly tapered hole having asubstantially conical wall that opens into the slot and a centralpassage extending axially between the socket and the forwardly taperedhole. A wedge having a nose with profile substantially matching aportion of the wall of the forwardly tapered hole is operable to engagethe plug insert and compress and hold the strength member of a fiberoptic cable between the wedge and the conical wall. The socket mayinclude internal threads to engage a threaded end portion of the insertfor coupling the wedge into the socket.

In another aspect the connector comprises an end cap enclosing the pluginsert, the end cap including internal threads for threadedly engagingcorresponding threads on a rear end of the plug body, the end capincluding at least one longitudinally extending slot that enables theend cap to be compressed onto the plug body with a set screw. In yetanother aspect, the plug insert includes recesses formed around each ofthe apertures for retaining termini in the apertures.

In one aspect, a terminus for use with a fiber optic connector includesa ferrule having first and second ends and an axial bore adapted toreceive a optical fiber with an elongate pin body including anlongitudinally extending central opening configured to receive theferrule with the ferrule extending axially from a first end of the pinbody. The elongate pin body includes a fixed collar extending around thecircumference of the pin body, a shaft portion extending from the fixedcollar and a circumferential groove extending around the shaft portionremote from the first end of the pin body. A floating seal is slidablymounted on the shaft portion. The floating seal includes a cylindricalsidewall with first and second ends and an axial passage therethroughfor receiving the shaft portion of the pin body. The floating sealfurther includes an annular groove extending around the outsidecircumference of the cylindrical sidewall, a first annular recessextending around the inner circumference of the axial passage at thefirst end of the cylindrical sidewall and a second annular recessextending around the inner circumference of the axial passage at thesecond end of the cylindrical sidewall. The first and second annularrecesses define an annular ridge extending around the innercircumference of the cylindrical sidewall therebetween. In onevariation, the cylindrical sidewall includes an angled shoulder at theinterior end of the first annular recess. First and second resilientsealing members such as O-rings are disposed in the annular groove andthe second annular recess, respectively.

The terminus further includes a slip collar disposed on the shaftportion of the pin body, a retainer positioned in the circumferentialgroove and a spring disposed around the shaft portion between the secondcollar and the slip collar. A first end of the spring abuts the fixedcollar whereby the spring biases the floating seal and slip collar awayfrom the first end of the pin body. In this configuration, the pin bodyis pivotable relative to the floating seal around the annular ridge. Inone aspect, the floating seal has a first internal diameter across thefirst annular recess, a second internal diameter across the secondannular recess and a third internal diameter at the annular ridgewherein the second internal diameter is larger than the first internaldiameter and the first internal diameter is larger than the thirdinternal diameter.

In another aspect, the terminus includes a first fixed collar formedaround the first end of the pin body, a second fixed collar spaced fromthe first collar wherein a first end of the spring abuts the secondfixed collar whereby the spring biases the floating seal and slip collaraway from the first end of the pin body.

In another variation, a terminus for use with a fiber optic connectorincludes an elongate pin body having first and second ends with alongitudinal opening therethrough. A ferrule, including an axial boreadapted to receive an optical fiber, is secured in the longitudinalopening at a first end of the pin body such that the ferrule extends inan axial direction from the pin body. The elongate pin body includes afirst fixed collar extending around the circumference of the pin body, asecond fixed collar spaced from the first fixed collar and a shaftportion extending from the second fixed collar. A floating seal havingfirst and second ends is slidably mounted on the shaft portion, thefloating seal including a cylindrical sidewall that defines an axialpassage therethrough for receiving the shaft portion of the pin body. Inone aspect, the floating seal has a first annular recess extendingaround the inner circumference of the axial passage at the first end ofthe cylindrical sidewall and a second annular recess extending aroundthe inner circumference of the axial passage at the second end of thecylindrical sidewall. The first and second recesses define an annularridge extending around the inner circumference of the cylindricalsidewall between the first and second annular recesses. In one aspect,the annular ridge defines a pivot whereby the pin body is pivotablerelative to the floating seal around the pivot

A slip collar is disposed on the shaft portion of the pin body and aspring disposed around the shaft portion between the second collar andthe slip collar wherein the slip collar has a first end that abuts thesecond collar such that the spring biases the floating seal and slipcollar away from the first end of the pin body. A resilient sealingmember disposed in the second annular recess seals in an axial directionbetween the cylindrical sidewall and the shaft portion and in a radialdirection between the cylindrical sidewall and the slip collar. Aretainer positioned on the shaft portion of the pin body secures thespring and slip collar on the pin body. In one variation, the terminusincludes an annular groove extending around the outside circumference ofthe cylindrical sidewall adjacent the first end of the seal and aresilient sealing member disposed in the annular groove.

In another aspect, a terminus for use with a fiber optic connectorincludes a ferrule mounted in a central opening of a pin body such thatthe ferrule extends axially from a first end of the pin body. Theelongate pin body includes a large diameter first portion adjacent thefirst end and shaft portion extending from the large diameter firstportion. A floating seal having a cylindrical sidewall defining an axialpassage is slidably mounted on the shaft portion. The floating seal hasfirst and second ends with an annular groove formed around the outsidecircumference of the cylindrical sidewall adjacent the first end. Firstand second annular recesses extending around the inner circumference ofthe axial passage at the first and second ends of the sidewall define anannular ridge extending around the inner circumference of thecylindrical sidewall between the first and second annular recesses.First and second resilient sealing members are disposed in the annulargroove and the second annular recess, respectively. In one variation aretainer is disposed on the shaft portion between the floating seal andthe second end of the elongate pin body. A spring positioned between thelarge diameter first portion of the pin body and the retainer biases thefloating seal away from the first end of the pin body. In thisconfiguration, the pin body is pivotable relative to the floating seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is made to the drawings,wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate likeelements throughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is front end view of the connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a first partial sectional and partial cutaway view of theconnector of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a second partial sectional and partial cut away view of theconnector of FIG. 1, rotated ninety degrees from the view of FIG. 4,taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a third partial sectional and partial cut away view of theconnector of FIG. 1, rotated ninety degrees from the view of FIG. 5 andone hundred eighty degrees from the view of FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional and partial cut away view of the connectorof FIG. 1 coupled to a second, identical connector with portions of thesecond connector omitted;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 1 coupled to a matingreceptacle;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional and partial cutaway view of the connectorand receptacle of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front end view of a terminus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the terminus of FIG. 10 taken along line11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front end view of an alternate terminus suitable for use inconnection with the connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the terminus of FIG. 12 taken along line13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a first perspective view of the coupling nut illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the coupling nut of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a rear end view of the coupling nut of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the coupling nut of FIG. 14, taken alongline 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of the coupling nut of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug body illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 19A is an enlarged partial front end view of the plug body of FIG.19;

FIG. 19B is a partial side and partial cutaway view of the forward endof the plug body of FIG. 19;

FIGS. 20-22 are partial sectional views of the encircled area of FIG. 19wherein alternate versions of a compressible member are illustratedtherein;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the receptacle of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 24 is a front end view of the receptacle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is partial sectional and partial cutaway view of the receptacleof FIG. 23 taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is partial sectional and partial cutaway view of the receptacleof FIG. 23 taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a rear end view of an alternate coupling nut;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the coupling nut of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a front end view of the coupling nut of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the coupling nut of FIG. 27 taken alongline 30-30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the coupling nut of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a partial sectional drawing of an alternate terminus inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of a seal for use with the terminus of FIG.32; and

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in one embodiment, a hermaphroditic connector 10for connecting a two channel single mode fiber optic cable includes acoupling nut 14 slidably mounted over a plug body 16. An end cap 18 ispositioned over rear end of plug body 16 with a resilient boot 12mounted on the rearmost end of end cap 18.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3-7, connector 10 includes a plug insert 20mounted in plug body 16 for mounting a plurality of termini 45 insidethe connector. Termini 45 are configured for mounting on the terminalends of optical fibers to enable mating of the fibers. Plug insert 20includes generally cylindrical front section 22 and a larger diameterrear section 24. A longitudinal slot 26 or “s-ing” chamber formed inforward section 22 of plug insert 20 between a forward circular face 28of the front section and rear section 24 provides a space in which fiberoptic cables may flex when connector 10 is mated to another connector 10or to receptacle. Termini 45 are slidably mounted in a pair ofcircumferentially opposed semicircular apertures or cutouts 32 formed inthe forward most face 28 of plug insert 20. Face 28 with cutouts 32forms a guide or “snowflake” integral with plug insert 20 for retainingtermini 45 in position in the insert.

Turning to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, terminus 45 includes a pin body 47 withan enlarged generally cylindrical forward portion 49 having a ceramicferrule 46 fitted into a longitudinal recess or socket 48 formed in theforward portion 49. Socket 48 may have a slight inward taper tofacilitate press fitting ferrule 46 into the socket. Terminus 45 ismounted on plug insert 20 with a smaller diameter rear end portion 50 ofpin body 47 passing through cutout 32.

A coil spring 54 fitted over end portion 50 of pin body 47 biases a slipcollar 56 against the front of face 28 of plug insert 20. Slip collar 56is sized to fit into a recess or counterbore 34 formed around cutout 32to aid in positioning the collar. A retainer such as E-clip 58 is fittedover rear end portion 50 of pin body 47, engaging one of a plurality ofgrooves formed in the end portion. E-clip 58 is positioned against therear of face 28 such that the slip collar 56 and retainer 58 are onopposing sides of face 28.

Spring 54 is compressed between enlarged end portion 49 and a floatingannular ring 53, biasing the slip collar against the front of face 28.When connector 10 is coupled to a mating connector, as illustrated inFIG. 7, ferrule 46 is pressed against the ferrule end of a matingterminus, forcing pin body 47 to move rearward, compressing spring 54.Spring 54 maintains a biasing force against pin body 47, holding ferrule46 against the ferrule end of the mating terminus while permittingrearward longitudinal movement of ferrule 46 and pin body 47 over apredetermined distance.

A circumferential groove 51 formed in the outer surface of forwardportion 49 receives annular ring 53, which in turn includes a groove 55for receiving an O-ring 57. Ring 53 is formed with an inside diameterthat is larger than the outside diameter of forward portion 49 acrosscircumferential groove 51 such that an annular space 59 is formedbetween ring 53 and forward portion 49. The arrangement of ring 53 ingroove 51 enables the ring, along with O-ring 57, to float relative topin body 47 when terminus 45 is positioned in bore 106 of shield 100,permitting O-ring 57 to conform more closely to the inside surface ofthe bore. A second O-ring 61 is mounted in an annular space 63 formed bythe forward end of ring 53 and a circumferential recess 65 formed inforward portion 49 of pin body 47. O-ring 61 seals the interface betweenpin body 47 and ring 53.

While pin body 47, slip collar 56 and spring 54 are preferably formedfrom a suitable metal, it is contemplated that the pin body may beformed from other materials such as suitable plastics and/or ceramics.Similarly ferrule 46 may also be formed from materials other thanceramics such as a suitable plastic or metal.

A bore 70 for receiving optical fiber 76 extends from the rearmost end72 of pin body 47 to an outwardly tapering section 74 that opens intosocket 48. A corresponding bore 80, aligned with bore 70, extendsthrough ferrule 46. A tapered guide section 82 formed at the rearmostend of ferrule 46 aids in guiding optical fiber 76 into bore 80. Bore 80has a diameter slightly larger than the cladding of the fiber opticwhich is secured in the bore with an epoxy or similar adhesive. Afterthe optical fiber is secured in ferrule 46, the fiber is cleaved flushwith the forward end 84 of the ferrule and polished to facilitateoperative connection of the ferrule with a mating ferrule.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternate terminus 40 wherein groove 51,annular ring 53 and O-rings 57 and 61 are omitted. Terminus 40 includesa pin body 42 with a generally cylindrical forward portion 44 having aceramic ferrule 46 fitted into socket 48. Terminus 40 may be suitablefor use in applications where the compliant sealing mechanism ofterminus 45 is deemed unnecessary. The remaining components of terminus40 are substantially identical to the correspondingly numberedcomponents of terminus 45 and function is substantially the same manner.

Turning to FIGS. 3-7, a generally cylindrical shield 100 fits over frontsection 22 of the plug insert 20, covering termini 45. Shield 100 istypically metal, but may be formed from other materials. Shield 100includes an expanded diameter rearwardly opening portion 102, a centerportion 103 and a solid forward portion 104 having longitudinal bores106 for receiving termini 45 extending therethrough. Alignment of shield100 and plug insert 20 with plug body 16 is accomplished with a pair ofoffset alignment pins 116 that extend longitudinally from the forwardend of the shield.

Alignment pins 116 are configured to fit into and through holes 117formed in the face 170 of plug body 16 and into bores 118 in each of apair of mating pins 200 of a corresponding mating connector. Pins 116are positioned on the same side of and offset from a diameter of theshield so that shield 100 can be positioned in only one rotationalorientation relative to plug body 16 to align the pins with holes 117.This configuration of pins 116 insures that each of ferrules 46 are eachaligned with the corresponding mating ferrule when connector 10 iscoupled to a second connector or shield. The length of alignment pins116 is such that the pins must enter holes 117 before ferrules 46approach the rear side of face 170 as the shield 100 is slid over pluginsert 20. This arrangement prevents ferrules 46 from contacting therear face of forward portion 104 of shield 100 rather than enteringbores 106, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the ferrulesand the optical fibers mounted therein.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 11, as shield 100 is slid over insert 20,bores 106 receive the forward end portions 49 of pin bodies 47 such thatferrules 46 extend forward from the shield with the forward ends of thepin bodies flush with the forward end of the shield. The diameter ofbores 106 is only slightly larger than that of the forward portions 49of pin bodies 47 so as to maintain proper alignment of ferrules 46.O-ring 57 mounted in a groove 55 formed in the outside surface offorward portion 40 of pin body 47 seals between the inside wall of bore106 and the pin body. An annular groove 113 formed on the inside surfaceof enlarged end portion 102 of shield 100 is aligned with correspondinggroove 36 in the front section 22 of plug insert 20 to receive O-ring 37to aid in retaining shield 100 on plug insert 20. O-ring 37 also servesas an environmental seal preventing foreign material from entering theplug insert/shield assembly.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, plug insert 20 includes acentral opening 120 extending longitudinally between the rearmost end ofthe insert and “s-ing” chamber 26. Opening 120 includes a rearwardlyopening socket 122 having internal threads 126 and a forwardly taperingconical hole 124 that extends from socket 122 to chamber 26. A wedge 130including a conical nose 134 having a profile to match conical hole 124and a cylindrical middle section 136 with exterior threads 140 forengaging threads 126 of socket 122 secures a fiber optic cable in insert20. The cable is extended through a central bore 138 passinglongitudinally through wedge 130 and the strength member of the cable,typically a woven sheath of high strength synthetic material such asAramid® or Kelvar® strands is wrapped over the nose of the wedge.

Wedge 130 is inserted into opening 120 and rotated to engage threads 140with threads 126 of socket 122. As wedge 130 is tightened, the cablestrength member is pinched between nose 134 and the wall of conical hole124, securing the cable in the insert. A hexagonal nut 142 formed at therear end of wedge 130 allows tightening of the wedge with a wrench.Similarly, flats 144 formed on the exterior of plug insert 20 allow theinsert to be grasped with a wrench as the wedge is tightened. An O-ring227 seated in a groove 229 formed around the outside of perimeter ofwedge 130 rearward of threads 140 seals between wedge 130 and insert 20.

Shield 100 with plug insert 20 is fitted into plug body 16. Plug body 16includes a cylindrical wall 154 that defines a rearwardly opening cavity156 for receiving plug insert 20 and shield 100. An annular ring 152formed midway along the length of plug body 16 includes a groove 158 forreceiving an O-ring 157 that seals between plug body 16 and coupling nut14. An enlarged rear end portion 160 of plug body 16 includes exteriorthreads 162 for engaging corresponding interior threads 404 of acylindrical end cap 18.

End cap 18 encloses plug insert 20 and wedge 130 in plug body 16. Endcap 18 includes an enlarged forward cylindrical wall 402 having internalthreads 404 formed therein and a second, rear cylindrical wall 406having a radially extending lip 408 formed around the outer perimeter ofwall. A first, longitudinal slot 412 extends rearwardly from the forwardend of wall 402, intersecting a second slot 414 that extendsapproximately 180 degrees around the circumference of wall 402. Slots412 and 414 allow wall 402 to be compressed and locked onto the rear endportion 160 of plug body 16 with a cap screw 416 after end cap 18 hasbeen threaded onto the plug body.

A hollow conical resilient boot 12 is fitted onto end cap 18 to inhibitlateral flexing of a fiber optic cable passing through end cap 18 intoconnector 10. Boot 12 includes a forward cylindrical collar 422 with anannular groove 424 formed on the inside surface of the collar. Boot 12is manufactured from a stretchable synthetic rubber or similar materialsuch that the collar 422 can be stretched to fit over wall 406 with lip408 engaging groove 424 to secure the boot on end cap 18. Boot 12 may beprovided with a series of slots or cuts 426 extending partially aroundthe circumference of the boot at spaced apart intervals. The width andspacing of slots 426 may be varied to control the resistance of the boot12 to lateral flexing.

A fiber optic cable passing through boot 12 and end cap 18 extendsthrough a resilient seal grommet 244 positioned in a rearwardly openingrecess 246 formed in the rearmost end of wedge 130. Grommet 244 providesa seal around a fiber optic cable passing through end cap 18 into wedge130. A conical washer 248, formed from a low friction material, protectsseal grommet 244 from deformation as end cap 18 is tightened onto plugbody 16.

Plug body 16 includes a pair of circumferentially opposed, longitudinalslots 168 formed in end portion 160 of the body. Slots 168 receive acorresponding pair of cylindrical projections or keys 30 that extendradially from the rear end portion 24 of plug insert 20. Engagement ofkeys 30 in slots 168 insures proper alignment of plug insert 20 andtermini 45 relative to plug body 16.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4-9 and 19 and 19A-B the forward or mating end 166of plug body 16 includes a recessed circular face 170 having openings172, 174 through which ferrules 46 extend. In one embodiment, thediameter of mating end 166 is approximately 0.56 inches and the distancebetween the centers of openings 172, 174 is approximately 0.2 inches.Openings 172, 174 are formed in opposing half sections 178, 180 of face170. Opposing half sections 178, 180 of face 170 are defined by a plane175 (FIG. 2) that extends through plug body 16 along a centrallongitudinal axis of the body perpendicular to a line connecting thecenters of openings 172, 174.

A hollow cylindrical tower 210 extending longitudinally from first halfsection 178 of face 170 of plug body 16 includes a central passage 212extending longitudinally through the tower. In one embodiment, tower 210has a diameter of approximately 0.19 inches and extends approximately0.21 inches beyond the forward most end 166 of plug body 16. Tower 210is formed over opening 172 with passage 212 aligned with the opening toreceive a ferrule of a second connector in mating relationship withferrule 46 of connector 10. A split sleeve 216 is positioned inside acylindrical shroud 214 coaxial with opening 172 and passage 212 to alignferrule 46 in a mating orientation. Shroud 214 and sleeve 216 areretained between a lip 220 formed around the inside circumference of theforward end of passage 212 and an annular retainer 222 fitted into therear end of passage 212. In one variation, sleeve 216 is formed from aceramic material while shroud 214 is constructed from an appropriatemetal. It is, however, contemplated that sleeve 216 and shroud 214 maybe formed from any suitable metal, ceramic, plastic or other material.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 19 and 19A, plug body 16 includes a pair of matingfeatures such as pins 200 extending longitudinally from second halfsection 180 of face 170 on either side of opening 174. Mating pins 200have a cross section approximating a quarter circle with roundedcorners, opposing concave sides 230, substantially flat sides 231aligned with plane 175 and outward convex sides 233. Mating pins 200 areoriented with concave sides 230 facing opening 174 such that the matingpins and tower 210 define an aperture 232 therebetween for receiving thetower of a corresponding mating connector or receptacle. In oneembodiment, mating pins 200 extend approximately 0.21 inches beyond theforward most end 166 of plug body 16.

Plug body 16 includes axially extending grooves 236 formed in the insidesurface of wall 154 that extend forward from face 170 adjacent tower210. Grooves 236 along with tower 210 define apertures 238 for receivingthe corresponding mating pins of an identical connector or receptacle.In one embodiment, grooves 236 extend approximately 0.21 inches rearwardfrom forward end 166 of plug body 16. Apertures 238 have opposingconcave walls 235, substantially flat walls 237 aligned with plane 175and convex outward walls 239. When connector 10 is coupled with a secondconnector, the tower and mating pins of the second connector are alignedwith and inserted into apertures 232, 238 as the connectors are broughttogether. Similarly, tower 210 and mating pins 200 of connector areinserted into the corresponding apertures of the second connector.

A pair of mating ears 250 extend radially outward from mating end 166 ofplug body 16 for coupling connector 10 to a second connector. In oneembodiment, each of mating ears 250 have a radial length ofapproximately 0.05 inches and a circumferential width of approximately0.20 inches. As best shown in FIG. 19A, ears 250 are located 180 degreesapart on the circumference of plug body 16 between parallel chords e ande′ equidistant from the center of the longitudinal axis of plug body 16.As illustrated, ears 250 have a generally semi-cylindrical geometry witha semicircular cross section having a flat mating face 252 flush withmating end 166 of the body. Faces 252 and forward most end 166 of plugbody 16 define a mating plane p-p′ (FIGS. 9, 19B). Faces 252 areconfigured to oppose the corresponding faces of the mating ears 252′ ofa second connector 10′ (FIG. 7) when connector 10 is coupled to thesecond connector.

Referring to FIGS. 4-9 and 14-18, coupling nut 14 is slidably androtatably mounted over plug body 16 for coupling connector 10 to areceptacle or a second connector. Coupling nut 14 includes a cylindricalwall 272 defining a central longitudinally extending passage 280 forreceiving plug body 16. A coil spring 288 disposed in an annular space290 between wall 272 and wall 154 of plug body 16 abuts annular ring 152of plug body 16 to bias coupling nut 14 in the rearward direction. Aretainer ring 292 positioned in an annular groove 294 formed in theinside surface of wall 272 near the rear end 286 of the wall retainsspring 288 and coupling nut 14 on plug body 16. O-ring 157 positioned ingroove 158 of plug body 16 prevents foreign material from entering space290.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 14-18, coupling nut 14 includes a pair offirst ribs 300 that extend radially inward from the inside circumferenceof wall 272 adjacent coupling end 284 of the coupling nut. Ribs 300 eachextend over equal and opposed arcs along wall 272. Openings 304 betweenthe ends 302 of first ribs 300 are positioned 180 degrees apart on theinside circumference of wall 272.

A pair of second ribs 310 extends around the inside of wall 272 rearwardof ribs 300 to form a pair of arcuate grooves 330 between first ribs 300and second ribs 310. Second ribs 310 are formed substantially parallelto ribs 300 and extend over the same arcuate intervals or segments asribs 300 around the inside circumference of wall 272. Arcuate grooves330 have forward walls 322 defined by ribs 300 and rear walls 324defined by ribs 310. Walls 322 and 324 are each substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis 325 extending through the center ofcoupling nut 14. The ends 312 of second ribs 310 define opposed openings314 positioned 180 degrees apart on the inside circumference of wall272. Openings 314 are longitudinally aligned with openings 304 in firstribs 300.

Ribs 300, 310 form a substantially circular longitudinal opening 332having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of forward end 166of plug body 16. Openings 304 and 314 are sized such that the width ofthe openings is slightly larger than the width of ears 250 so thatcoupling nut 14 can slide over plug body 16 when ears 250 are alignedwith openings 304 and 314.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 14-18 and 19A, connector 10 is coupled to a secondconnector by aligning and inserting the mating pins 200 and towers 210of each of the connectors into the corresponding apertures 232, 238 ofthe second connector. Alignment of the mating pins 200 and tower 210with the corresponding apertures also aligns ears 250 of connector 10with the corresponding ears of the second connector so that faces 252 ofthe ears oppose the corresponding faces 252′ of the second connector asillustrated in FIG. 7. When an ear 250 is placed in opposed matingrelationship with an ear 250′ of a second connector 10′ or receptacle,the opposed ears form a generally cylindrical projection having asubstantially circular cross-section.

As connectors 10 and 10′ are pushed together, ferrules 46, 46′ of thealigned connectors meet, compressing springs 54, 54′ of termini 45 asthe termini move to the rear. Coupling nut 14 is pushed from therearward position forward over plug body 16 until opposed ears 250, 250′of each connector pass through openings 304 between the ends of firstribs 300 and into alignment with grooves 330. Coupling nut 14 is thenrotated approximately 90 degrees, trapping ears 250, 250′ of connectors10 and 10′ in grooves 330 between ribs 300, 310.

Ribs 300, 310 are configured such that the width of groove is less thanthe width or diameter of a pair of opposed ears 250 plus thepredetermined longitudinal travel of opposed ferrules 46 permitted bysprings 54. In this manner, ferrules 46 of mated connectors 10 aremaintained in biased opposed contact when the connectors are coupled. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the distance, denoted Wg (FIG. 17), betweenwalls 322 and 324, i.e., the width of grooves 330, is selected tosubstantially match the combined width, denoted We (FIGS. 7, 9) of theopposed ears 250 when connector 10 and the second connector are pushedfirmly together. Thus, the groove 330 holds ears 250, and thereforeconnectors 10 (or a connector and receptacle) operatively togetheragainst the biasing force of the termini springs 54.

Turning to FIGS. 14-19 rotation of coupling nut 14 is limited by meansof one or more stops 316 formed on the inside of wall 272 of thecoupling nut rearward of second ribs 310. Stops 316 engage correspondingstop walls 224 that extend radially outward from wall 154 of plug body16. Stops 316 and stop walls 224 are circumferentially positioned oncoupling nut 14 to limit the rotation of coupling nut 14 toapproximately 100 degrees. These features prevent over-rotation ofcoupling nut 14 when connector 10 is coupled to a second connector.

Coupling nut 14 is maintained in the coupled position by means of acompressible member 226 positioned in a recess 228 in each of stop walls224. As coupling nut 14 is rotated to the coupled position, a pair ofopposing projections or wedges 318 formed on the inside surface of wall272 of the coupling nut compress and rotate past members 226. Whenwedges 318 pass members 226, the members expand to the uncompressedstate, preventing coupling nut 14 from rotating in the reverse directiondue to vibration or incidental movement of connector 10. Wedges 318 arepositioned on the inside circumference of coupling nut 14 so that wedges318 rotate over members 226 as the nut is rotated approximately 90degrees from its initial position. In one variation, wedges 318 includean inclined face 320 to facilitate movement of member 226 over thewedge. Since stops 316 prevent further rotation of coupling nut 14, thenut is retained in the selected rotational position.

Members 226 and wedges 318 may be selected and sized as to permitrotation of coupling nut 14 in the reverse direction only with theapplication of a predetermined force. As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22,member 226 may comprise a coil spring 226 a, (FIG. 20) a compressibleplastic or rubber cylinder 226 b (FIG. 21), or a spring biased sphericalmember 226 c (FIG. 22). In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 21A,member 226 d comprises a phosphorous bronze metal cylinder, similar to aroll pin. Preferably, members 226 are selected to have sufficientresistance to compression to provide a user with a discernable tactileindication or “snap” when wedges 318 rotate over the members, indicatingthat connector 10 is fully engaged.

Conventional bayonet connectors rely on the engagement of one or morepins in the short leg of a J-shaped groove to prevent the connector frominadvertently loosening. Stop walls 224 and stops 316 along withcompressible members 226 and wedges 318 provide a rotational stop andclick mechanism that eliminates the need for J-shaped grooves ofconventional bayonet-type connectors, permitting the use of a straightgroove for capturing and holding receiving ears 252. The use of astraight groove or grooves 330 eliminates the rearward movement of theconnector faces associated with the pins of conventional bayonetconnector moving into the short leg or recess of the J-shaped groove.

Stop walls 224 in conjunction with second ribs 310 also provide anadditional alignment feature. When coupling nut 14 is in the rearwardposition, walls 224 are positioned in openings 314 between second ribs310, preventing rotation of the coupling nut. In order to rotatecoupling nut 14, the nut must be moved forward until second ribs 310 areforward of stop walls 224. This feature insures that coupling nut 14 ismaintained in the proper orientation for coupling when not in use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-18, a pair of circumferentiallyextending slots 336 are formed during the machining process extendingcompletely though the outer surface of coupling nut 14. In an alternateembodiment, a coupling nut 15, illustrated in FIGS. 27-31 is formedwithout an externally visible slot 336, but with substantially identicalinternal features, identified with the same reference numbers, ascoupling nut 14. Coupling nut 15 can be used as part of a connector 10substantially identical to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, except withoutthe externally visible slot 336. Operation of the connector 10 withalternate coupling nut 15 is substantially identical to that previouslydescribed.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 23-26, a receptacle 500, adapted for panelmounting, includes a forward mating fixture 502 having a base 504 andsubstantially identical mounting features as the forward end 166 of plugbody 16. Such features are identified with the same reference numberspreviously used in connection with plug body 16. Fixture 502 is mountedon the enlarged diameter forward end 506 of a cylindrical housing 508that defines a cylindrical cavity 512 for receiving a pair of termini514 having ferrules 516. Base 504 includes a flattened side 518 thatabuts a ledge 520 formed on the forward end 506 of housing 508 to alignthe base in the proper rotational orientation relative to the housing. Apair of alignment pins 509 extend longitudinally from the forward end506 of housing 508 for engagement in bores 118 of a correspondingconnector. Fixture 502 is mounted on housing 508 with a pair of screws524 that engage threaded apertures 526 formed in the housing. An O-ring510 is seated in an annular groove 511 formed on the forward end 506 ofhousing 508 to seal between fixture 502 and housing 508.

Termini 514 are mounted in cylindrical housing 508 of receptacle 500with a guide 528 that receives the ends 530 of pin bodies 532 of thetermini in cutouts 535. Guide 528 is retained in housing 508 with athreaded insert 525 that engages internal threads 527 formed on theinside surface of the housing. Ferrules 516 are biased with springs 534in the same manner as ferrules 46 described above to provide apredetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection. Ferrules516 extend through a recess 536 formed in the rear face of base 504 intofixture 502 for mating engagement with the ferrules of a correspondingconnector such as connector 10. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, whenconnector 10 is coupled with receptacle 500, the mating ends of ferrules46 of the connector and receptacle are substantially coplanar with themating faces 252 of ears 250 of the connector and receptacle.

A rearwardly facing, radially extending wall 540 extends between athreaded rear end portion 542 of receptacle 500 and enlarged diameterportion 506. Threaded end portion 542 of receptacle 500 is configuredfor insertion though a panel opening with a wall 540 abutting the panel.An O-ring 544 seated in an annular groove 546 formed in wall 540provides an environmental seal between connector 500 and the wall of thepanel. Receptacle 500 is secured in the panel wall with a nut 550threaded over end 542 of the receptacle.

Referring again to FIG. 5, termini 45 should be sealed from the externalenvironment to insure proper functioning of the connector. Effectivesealing generally requires relatively close tolerances between anexterior surface of a terminus and the bore in which it is mounted.However, in order to align termini 45 of connector 10 with thecorresponding termini of a mating connector, each of the termini shouldbe able to move a limited distance at an angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of bore 106 in which the terminus is mounted.

Turning to FIG. 32, an alternative terminus suitable 600 for use withthe connector(s) described herein permits the desired angular movement(indicated by arrow 601) while providing the desired sealing of theterminus from the environment. Terminus 600 includes a pin body 602having first and second ends 604, 606. Pin body 602 includes a largediameter end portion 608 formed adjacent the first end 604 and a shaftportion 610 extending from the large diameter end portion. Alongitudinally extending central opening 612 extending through pin body602 includes a socket 614 configured to receive a ferrule 620. Socket614 may have a slight inward taper to facilitate press fitting ferrule620 into the socket. As illustrated, a portion of ferrule 620 extendsaxially from the first end 604 of pin body 602. A bore 622 extendslongitudinally through ferrule 620 for receiving an optical fibertherethrough. In one variation, ferrule 620 is formed from a ceramicmaterial; in other variations ferrules may be formed from glass, plasticor suitable metals.

Referring still to FIG. 32, large diameter end portion 608 includes afirst fixed collar 616 formed adjacent first end 604 and a second fixedcollar 618 spaced from the first fixed collar. Shaft portion 610 extendsfrom second fixed collar 618 to second end 606 of pin body 602. Afloating seal 624 is slidably mounted on shaft portion 610 between aspring 626 and a slip collar 628. As illustrated, slip collar 628 has agenerally “C” shaped section in an axial direction. A retainer 630 suchas an e-clip or snap ring is mounted in a circumferential groove 632formed in shaft portion 610. Retainer 630 retains floating seal 624,spring 626 and slip collar 628 on pin body 602. Terminus 600 isconfigured to be mounted in cutouts 32 formed in the forward most face28 of plug insert 20 (FIG. 3) with face 28 positioned between slipcollar 628 and retainer 630 such that spring 626 pinches face 28 betweenthe slip collar and retainer.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged sectional view of floating seal 24. Floating seal624 includes a cylindrical sidewall 636 that defines an axiallyextending passage 638 extending through the seal. Floating seal 624 isslidably mounted on shaft portion 610 of pin body 602 with the shaftportion extending through the seal. As illustrated, a first annularrecess 640 is formed around the inside circumference of cylindricalsidewall 636 at a first end 642 of the seal. A second annular recess 644is formed around the inside circumference of cylindrical sidewall 636 atthe second end 648 of the sidewall. An annular ridge 650 extends aroundthe inner circumference of cylindrical sidewall 636 between the firstand second annular recesses 640, 644, respectively.

Referring still to FIG. 33, passage 638 includes a first internaldiameter d₁ across first annular recess 640, a second internal diameterd₂ across second annular recess 644 and a diameter d₃ across passage 638at annular ridge 650. As illustrated, diameter d₂ is greater thandiameter d₁ which in turn is greater than diameter d₃. Thisconfiguration permits pin body 602 to rotate a limited distance relativeto seal 624 around a pivot defined by ridge 650 and generally indicatedat 652. First annular recess 640 provides clearance to permit angularmovement of pin body 602 around pivot 652 while second annular recess issized to receive a resilient sealing member such as O-ring 656 (FIG.34). Also as illustrated, second annular recess 644 is includes aninwardly sloping shoulder 658 at the internal end of the recess toprovide additional clearance.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 32. Outerand inner O-rings 654, 656 provide radial and axial sealing of terminus600. Outer O-ring 654 is positioned in a groove 660 that extends aroundthe outside circumference of cylindrical sidewall 636 adjacent first end642 of the seal to provide axial sealing between cylindrical sidewall636 and the bore in which terminus 600 is mounted. Inner O-ring 654 isretained in second annular recess 644 to provide axial sealing betweencylindrical sidewall 636 and shaft portion 610 as well as radial sealingbetween the cylindrical sidewall and slip collar 628. O-rings 654, 656are typically formed from a resilient elastomeric material such as asynthetic rubber.

The drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended tolimit the following claims to the particular forms and examplesdisclosed. On the contrary, further modifications, changes,rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, andembodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embraceall such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

1. A terminus for use with a fiber optic connector comprising: a ferruleincluding first and second ends and an axial bore adapted to receive aoptical fiber therethough; an elongate pin body including alongitudinally extending central opening configured to receive theferrule therein such that the ferrule extends axially from a first endof the pin body; the elongate pin body including a fixed collarextending around the circumference of the pin body, a shaft portionextending from the fixed collar and a circumferential groove extendingaround the shaft portion remote from the first end of the pin body; afloating seal slidably mounted on the shaft portion, the floating sealincluding a cylindrical sidewall with first and second ends and an axialpassage therethrough for receiving the shaft portion of the pin body,the floating seal having an annular groove extending around the outsidecircumference of the cylindrical sidewall, a first annular recessextending around the inner circumference of the axial passage at thefirst end of the cylindrical sidewall, a second annular recess extendingaround the inner circumference of the axial passage at the second end ofthe cylindrical sidewall, the first and second annular recesses definingan annular ridge extending around the inner circumference of thecylindrical sidewall between the first and second annular recesses; afirst resilient sealing member disposed in the annular groove; a secondresilient sealing member disposed in the second annular recess; aretainer positioned in the circumferential groove; and a spring disposedaround the shaft portion between the fixed collar and the retainerwherein the spring biases the floating seal away from the first end ofthe pin body.
 2. The terminus of claim 1 wherein the pin body ispivotable around the annular ridge.
 3. The terminus of claim 1 whereinthe first and second circular resilient sealing members comprise O-ringsformed from an elastomeric material.
 4. The terminus of claim 1 whereinthe axial passage has a first internal diameter across the first annularrecess, a second internal diameter across the second annular recess anda third internal diameter at the annular ridge wherein the secondinternal diameter is larger than the first internal diameter and thefirst internal diameter is larger than the third internal diameter. 5.The terminus of claim 1 further comprising a first fixed collar formedaround the first end of the pin body, a second fixed collar spaced fromthe first collar and wherein a first end of the spring abuts the secondfixed collar whereby the spring biases the floating seal away from thefirst end of the pin body.
 6. The terminus of claim 1 wherein thecylindrical sidewall further comprises an angled shoulder at theinterior end of the first annular recess.
 7. A terminus for use with afiber optic connector comprising: an elongate pin body having first andsecond ends, the elongate pin body including a longitudinal openingtherethrough; a ferrule secured in the longitudinal opening at a firstend of the pin body such that the ferrule extends in an axial directionfrom the pin body, the ferrule including an axial bore adapted toreceive an optical fiber therethrough; the elongate pin body including afirst fixed collar extending around the circumference of the pin body, asecond fixed collar spaced from the first fixed collar and a shaftportion extending from the second fixed collar; a floating seal slidablymounted on the shaft portion, the floating seal including a cylindricalsidewall with first and second ends, the cylindrical sidewall definingan axial passage therethrough for receiving the shaft portion of the pinbody, the floating seal having a first annular recess extending aroundthe inner circumference of the axial passage at the first end of thecylindrical sidewall, a second annular recess extending around the innercircumference of the axial passage at the second end of the cylindricalsidewall, the first and second recesses defining an annular ridgeextending around the inner circumference of the cylindrical sidewallbetween the first and second annular recesses; a resilient sealingmember disposed in the second annular recess; a slip collar disposed onthe shaft portion of the pin body; a spring disposed around the shaftportion of the pin body between the second fixed collar and the slipcollar wherein a first end of the spring abuts the fixed collar wherebythe spring biases the floating seal and slip collar away from the firstend of the pin body; and wherein the annular ridge defines a pivotwhereby the pin body is pivotable relative to the floating seal.
 8. Theterminus of claim 7 wherein the resilient sealing member seals in anaxial direction between the cylindrical sidewall and the shaft portionand in a radial direction between the cylindrical sidewall and the slipcollar.
 9. The terminus of claim 7 further comprising an annular grooveextending around the outside circumference of the cylindrical sidewalladjacent the first end of the seal and a resilient sealing memberdisposed in the annular groove.
 10. The terminus of claim 7 furthercomprising a retainer positioned on the shaft portion whereby theretainer retains the slip collar on the shaft portion.
 11. The terminusof claim 7 further comprising a circumferential groove extending aroundthe shaft portion remote from the first end of the pin body and aretainer mounted in the circumferential groove whereby the retainerretains the slip collar on the shaft portion.
 12. The terminus of claim7 wherein the cylindrical sidewall further comprises an angled shoulderat an interior end of the first annular recess.
 13. The terminus ofclaim 7 wherein the axial passage has a first internal diameter acrossthe first annular recess, a second internal diameter across the secondannular recess and a third internal diameter at the annular ridgewherein the second internal diameter is larger than the first internaldiameter and the first internal diameter is larger than the thirdinternal diameter.
 14. A terminus for use with a fiber optic connectorcomprising: a ferrule including first and second ends and an axial boreadapted to receive a optical fiber therethough; an elongate pin bodyhaving first and second ends with a longitudinally extending centralopening extending therethrough, the central opening configured toreceive the ferrule therein at the first end of the pin body such thatthe ferrule extends axially from the first end of the pin body, theelongate pin body including a large diameter first portion adjacent thefirst end and a shaft portion extending from the large diameter firstportion; a floating seal slidably mounted on the shaft portion, thefloating seal including a cylindrical sidewall with first and secondends and an axial passage therethrough for receiving the shaft portionof the pin body, the floating seal having an annular groove formedaround the outside circumference of the cylindrical sidewall adjacentthe first end, the floating seal having a first annular recess extendingaround the inner circumference of the axial passage at the first end ofthe cylindrical sidewall, a second annular recess extending around theinner circumference of the axial passage at the second end of thecylindrical sidewall, the first and second recesses defining an annularridge extending around the inner circumference of the cylindricalsidewall between the first and second annular recesses; a firstresilient sealing member disposed in the annular groove; a secondresilient sealing member disposed in the second annular recess; and aspring disposed around the shaft portion between the large diameterfirst portion and the floating seal; and a retainer disposed on theshaft portion between floating seal and the second end of the elongatepin body wherein a first end of the spring abuts the large diameterfirst portion of the pin body biasing the floating seal away from thefirst end of the pin body.
 15. The terminus of claim 14 wherein the pinbody is pivotable relative to the floating seal.
 16. The terminus ofclaim 14 wherein the annular ridge defines a pivot whereby the pin bodyis pivotable around the pivot.
 17. The terminus of claim 14 furthercomprising a slip collar slidably disposed on the shaft portion of thepin body between the floating seal and the retainer.
 18. The terminus ofclaim 17 wherein the second resilient sealing member seal forms an axialseal between the cylindrical sidewall and the shaft portion and a radialseal between the cylindrical sidewall and the slip collar.
 19. Theterminus of claim 17 wherein the large diameter portion of the pin bodyincludes a first fixed collar formed around the first end of the pinbody, a second fixed collar spaced from the first collar and wherein afirst end of the spring abuts the second fixed collar whereby the springbiases the floating seal and slip collar away from the first end of thepin body.